Diversity in Cannabis Media

Ophelia Chong is the founder of Stock Pot Images, the first stock-photo agency to specialize exclusively in cannabis-related imagery and Asian Americans for Cannabis Education (AACE) which is a platform that uses social media, events and networking to connect and empower Asian communities to educate the public on cannabis issues, news, and policy affecting Asians worldwide. Ophelia also served as the Creative Consultant at the quarterly cannabis journal PUSH Magazine.

Ophelia’s journey with cannabis began with her sister, who copes with an incurable disease. After her sister began to use cannabis to help alleviate her symptoms Ophelia bagan to see both her sister and the cannabis plant in a new light. “My sister entrusted an ancient plant with a 5,000-year history to promote her healing, health, and well being. “How does the media portray people like my sister?” I wondered.” it was at this point that Ophelia embarked on a quest to explore prevailing images and representations and noticed that various stock photo agencies were rife with stereotypes. No one looked like her sister. This laid the groundwork for Stock Pot Images’ mission: to advocate for the legalization of cannabis and offer truthful reflections of the faces and communities that embrace cannabis.